News & Announcements
News and Annoucements
North Polk launched its inaugural girls wrestling season with the first home meet on November 17, officially beginning a new era for the program.
Tuesday, November 18
North Polk entered a new chapter this winter with the debut of its first independent girls' wrestling team. The program held its inaugural home meet on November 17, 2025, an important moment and milestone for the athletes, families, and the entire Comet community.
In past seasons, North Polk wrestlers competed through a cooperative agreement with the Ankeny Girls Wrestling team. That partnership provided early opportunities and valuable experience for athletes while the school evaluated how to build a program of its own. It even produced a state champion last season, helping build momentum behind girls' wrestling at North Polk.
This year marks a clear turning point: North Polk now fields its own team, led by Head Coach Josephine Holthus, the first to hold the position. The timing aligns with statewide growth. The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union officially sanctioned girls wrestling in 2022, and participation has climbed rapidly since. As more schools add programs, North Polk joins the growing movement to expand athletic opportunities for girls and meet increasing interest in the sport.
The first home meet served as both a celebration and a beginning.
The first match in program history ended with a North Polk pin, setting the tone for the night, with five of the six wrestlers earning pins in their opening matches, a promising start for a young roster establishing its footing.
But beyond wins and losses, it was a celebration and milestone for our athletes, fans, district, and community, marking a historic moment years in the making.
Mr. Young, CS Teacher at NPMS, has been awarded the Sypersma Leadership & Innovation Award.
Mr. Justin Young has been recognized with the Sypersma Leadership and Innovation Award for his contributions to technology and computer science education at North Polk!
In his 6th and 7th-grade classes, Mr. Young combines clear instruction with hands-on projects, helping students develop skills in coding, problem-solving, and creative thinking. His approach encourages students to explore ideas, work collaboratively, and see connections between technology and other areas of learning.
This award was presented at the ITEC Conference, supported by letters from colleagues and staff who highlighted the positive impact of Young’s teaching. These letters praised his dedication, creativity, and ability to inspire students to engage with technology in meaningful ways.
We are proud to have Justin as part of our Comet community and grateful for his efforts in preparing the next generation of innovative thinkers. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
At West, North Polk alumnus, Airman First Class Carter Van Brocklin, and his father led a moving flag-folding ceremony in honor of Veterans Day.
We honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our veterans. Your service has safeguarded the freedoms we cherish, and your example continues to inspire our students, staff, and community.
During today’s Veterans Day ceremony at West Elementary, Airman First Class Carter Van Brocklin of the U.S. Air National Guard and his father, Lt. Col. Brian Van Brocklin, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), performed a special flag-folding ceremony. Students, staff, and community members joined together to sing the National Anthem, creating a meaningful tribute that connected generations of service and inspired all in attendance.
The district is proud to recognize Veterans Day and grateful for the heroes, both past and present, whose dedication continues to shape and inspire our community.
Step into the golden age of Broadway as North Polk High School proudly presents Guys and Dolls.
Get ready to roll the dice and fall in love with one of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals! North Polk High School proudly presents Guys and Dolls, a classic story of gamblers, dreamers, and love in the hustle and bustle of New York City.
This fable follows the charming high-roller Sky Masterson, the determined missionary Sarah Brown, the ever-persistent Nathan Detroit, and the delightful Miss Adelaide as they navigate luck, love, and a few unlikely bets. Filled with show-stopping numbers like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” this production promises laughter and heartwarming moments for audiences of all ages.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now! Reserve your seats early to ensure you don’t miss this performance.
📅 Show dates: Friday, November 14th at 7 PM, Saturday, November 15th at 7 PM, and Sunday, November 16th at 2:30 PM.
We can’t wait to see you in the audience!
North Polk voters elected three school board members to guide the district forward. Learn more about the results and what's next.
On Tuesday, November 4, voters from across Polk, Boone, and Story counties participated in the North Polk Community School District election to fill three open seats on the North Polk Board of Education.
In a close four-candidate race, the community re-elected incumbents Keith Bormann (left) and Matt Aicher (middle) and welcomed newcomer Holly Hunter (right) to the board. According to unofficial results, Bormann earned 27% of the vote, Aicher followed with 26%, Hunter received 24%, and Ben Engler earned 23%. These results will remain unofficial until certified by the county auditors.
The newly elected board members will officially take their oaths of office during the November board meeting and begin four-year terms serving the North Polk community.
Spanning three counties—Polk, Boone, and Story—the North Polk Community School District serves families from Alleman, Elkhart, Sheldahl, Polk City, Northern Ankeny, and surrounding rural areas. Each election highlights the district’s strong civic engagement and shared commitment to student success. North Polk Schools extends sincere appreciation to all four candidates for their dedication, time, and commitment to serving the district and its students.
Learn more about the candidates, their backgrounds, and their vision for North Polk Schools